The Ford pickup truck is one of the top selling vehicles in the country. Ford trucks have seen massive evolution, bitter rivalries, and generations of American loyalty.
The Ford F-series is the most sold vehicle in in the USA with its wide range of trim options, several available sizes, and configurations to suit just about any job. But is the Ford F-150 really that good for towing?
The Ford F-150
The Ford F-150 has a rich history dating back to the early 1900s. After Ford’s official debut of the F-150 in 1976, the pickup truck saw nationwide success and has remained a top seller year after year.
This authentic American pickup truck is practically a national treasure. That’s because it has earned its stripes as a hard working and reliable vehicle.
How much can an F-150 tow?
Ok, we should get it right out of the way that a stock F-150 has a very average and very unimpressive maximum tow capacity of 5,000 pounds. That is lower than the Ford Expedition, Chevy Tahoe, Nissan Pathfinder, and the Jeep Grand Cherokee. These impressive SUVs tow up to 9,300, 8,600, 6,000, and 7,200 pounds respectively.
The Ford F-150 tow capacity depends on which trim level you invest in. The engine options and whether you buy a 4×4 or 2×4 drivetrain will affect your F-150’s towing capacity. Additionally, Ford’s tow package is an absolute game changer.
The 2020 Ford F-150 ranges in price from XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, Limited, and Raptor make up the seven different trims Ford offers for this beloved pickup truck. You also get to choose between three cab styles. There are Regular Cab, SuperCab, and SuperCrew options.
It’s also offered in two different drivetrains: 4×2 or 4×4. In addition, the F-150 is equipped with one of six different engines, including a diesel.
In a SuperCrew cab that’s equipped with a 4×2 drivetrain powered by a 3.5 liter EcoBoost V6 engine, you can expect a maximum towing capacity of 13,200 pounds.
The F-150 boasts some pretty modern towing technology, too. The tow package includes a backup assist feature, dynamic hitch assist, and blindspot assist. All of which are designed to help drivers out when towing.
The Ford Raptor
The Ford Raptor, while being an all-terrain beast, has a maximum tow capacity less than other F-150 models. While some F-150s are equipped to handle up to 13,200 pounds, the Raptor has a maximum tow capacity of 8,000 pounds.
If towing is high on your list of priorities for your next truck buy, you may want to overlook the Raptor, as cool as it may be.
What about other trucks?
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 can tow up to 13,400 pounds, as of 2020. The Chevy truck now beats the Ford in max tow capacity for its class. But it’s the only one. The Ford has a higher tow capacity than the others –– such as the GMC Sierra 1500 which tows up to 12,100 pounds.
Is the Ford F-150 good for towing?
Overall, yes. We’d say the Ford F-150 is a capable towing machine. Its price range starts relatively affordable and gets pretty high when you start to add trim levels and options. They start anywhere between $28,745 – $71,160, according to U.S. News And World Report.
While it’s not currently the max capacity leader in its class, the F-150 is a tried and true reliable option with ample towing potential.
